Looking for ideas

[sunshine]

I'm pretty needy these days, aren't I?

My niece is due with baby #2 in a few weeks (baby #1 is 16 months old). She's getting tired and I'd like to take her some meals that she can just heat and eat.

So--- I need frugal meals that I can cook and then haul 2 hours to her house in a cooler. Tall order, but I know you are all up to the challenge!

[ellise]

Are you looking for casserole ideas? Anything they don't like?

[sunshine]

They don't like seafood, and not much Mexican-- otherwise, I'm open to any ideas.

I'm cooking for them today, and plan to do it again in a couple weeks, so keep thinking and posting ideas.

Today's plans are for:

ham/fetuccini alfredo
french dip sandwiches
beef roast/potatoes/carrots
taco stuffed pasta shells
meatloaf
hamburger stroganoff
chicken and noodles
fried rice

carrot souffle
party potatoes
2 loaves homemade bread
snickerdoodles
pumpkin pie
brownies

[ellise]

SPECIAL CLUB SANDWICH



12 sl Bread, toasted
Mayo or Mustard
2 sl Sharp Cheddar Cheese cut in half
1 pk THIN Roast -Chicken Breast (6 oz)
Lettuce
2 sl Swiss Cheese, -cut in half
8 sl Tomato
12 sl Bacon, crisply -cooked


For each sandwich, spread 3 toast slices with dressing. Cover 1 toast slice with cheddar cheese, chicken, lettuce and second toast slice.
Top with Swiss cheese, tomato, bacon and third toast slice.
Cut into quarters; secure with toothpicks.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

[ellise]

Beef Stroganoff

2 pounds beef tenderloin cut into bite sized pieces
1/4 cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 14-oz. can beef broth
1 16-oz. (2 cups) container sour cream
1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)

Lightly coat tenderloin pieces with flour and salt and pepper.
In a large saucepan, saute beef in butter with onions, mushrooms and garlic until meat is browned and onions and mushrooms are tender.
Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth and cook over medium heat for 10 - 15 minutes.
Stir in sour cream and wine and heat for about 5 minutes.
Serve over hot cooked noodles.

Beef Stroganoff is real comfort food. The tender beef and gravy has a wonderful flavor that is traditionally served over noodles. Use the wide egg noodles rather than thin pasta-type noodles. If you don't like noodles, then you can serve this dish over rice.

I Use light sour cream and low fat or fat free beef broth. If you don't want the red wine just leave it out.

Fried Apples

1/4 cup butter
8 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar

Melt butter in saucepan and add remainder of ingredients.
Simmer until apples are tender about 20 - 25 minutes.

[ellise]

Twisted Pasta Salad

1 pkg. (16 oz.) spiral pasta
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. water
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 lg. green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cans (2 1/4 oz. each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 bottle (16 oz.) Catalina or Western dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Rinse pasta in cold water and drain; place in a large bowl.
Add beef mixture, cheese, green pepper, onion, tomato and olives; mix well.
Add the dressing and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Yield: 10 servings

If you'll be refrigerating for more than one hour, reserve 1/2 c. dressing to stir into the salad just before serving.

[ellise]

Pepperoni Stromboli

2 loaves (1 lb. each) frozen bread dough, thawed
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 pkg. sliced pepperoni
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, chopped

Place each loaf of bread dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Punch down.
Roll each loaf into a 15 x 12 . rectangle.
In a bowl, combine eggs, oil and seasonings.
Brush over dough to within 1/2 inch of edges; set remaining egg mixture aside.
Arrange beef, pepperoni, cheeses and onions on dough to within 1/2 inch of edges.
Roll up, jelly roll style, beginning with a long side.
Seal the edges well.
Place seam side down on greased baking sheets. Brush with remaining egg mixture.
Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
Yield: 15-16 servings

[sunshine]

Ellise-- all those sound terrific. I'll be preparing my shopping list for the next round! THANK YOU!

[kathy]

Denise, I just wanted to say what an angel you are to be thinking of your neice and taking her meals. You are so kind and caring. We are all blessed to have you in our circle of friends.